10 Push Chair Tricks All Experts Recommend
Buying a New Born Push Chair
A premium pushchair that's perfect for babies due to its luxurious knitted fabrics and a padded back for better support. It's also easy to assemble and is able to easily navigate narrow aisles in shops.
Newborns should ideally lie flat, so go for a model with either a carrycot or car seat/carrycot combination suitable from birth. Some models have an reversible design, which means you can decide if your baby faces you or the the world.
Safety
The pushchair, also referred to as a stroller or buggy, is one of the most used baby products. Safety should be the top priority when selecting the right pushchair. The first thing you should look for is a harness with five points. The harness locks the child into the seat with five points - two across shoulders, two around hips and between legs and two in the middle. This system stops the child from falling out of the seat in the event that the vehicle is flipped over, or while driving over a kerb with a steep slope.
For newborns carrying a carrycot or car seats / prams & carrycots combination is vital. They should be able to lay flat. This helps protect their spine and allows them to breathe completely. This is crucial because it lowers the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Infants should not take long trips in an unrestricted pushchair, even if it has the option of reclining seats.
It is also recommended to purchase a pushchair that is suitable from birth. This means that the pushchair is compatible with a carrycot that is flat on the floor or an infant car seat / pram and that it has a fully reversible seat unit to let the baby be able to face either the parent or the world.
Lastly, the wheels of the pushchair should be strong and have an excellent suspension that reduces bumps and vibrations as well as a brake pedal that can easily be reached. Many pushchairs feature pneumatic tyres which absorb shocks better than conventional tyres. They are also able to be used on terrains that are rough.
Accessories such as shopping baskets and pram changing bags or rain covers can be helpful, especially if you are conducting errands when your baby is in tow. A lot of pushchairs have the option of a hood that is put over the baby's head to protect them from the sun and wind. Certain hoods are adjustable, giving you the option to raise or lower them based on the weather.
Comfort
You want a newborn pushchair that is comfortable for both the baby and the parents. This could include cushioned seats and a pushchair which is simple to move around and sturdy enough to handle rough terrain. Consider features like storage and protection against weather. If you intend to use the stroller for jogging pushchair or off-road adventures you'll need a stroller with larger wheels. This will provide your child the best comfort even on the most uneven terrain.
The most suitable pushchair for a newborn is a travel system or pram that has a carrycot. This allows your baby to sleep in a natural lying position, which is important for the development of the spine and lung. Some pushchairs that are labeled "suitable from birth" require that your child sit up on their own. Be sure to verify this prior to making an purchase.
A bassinet can be utilized to create a cot-like space where your child can relax while being secure and safe in the pushchair. These are typically a bit more expensive than a conventional pushchair, or even a travel system, but could be worth the extra cost in the event that your baby is happy to go in this type of seat.
Many pushchairs come with the option of facing the seat towards you, for reassurance and bonding or, if you prefer, away from you to explore the world. They may be called parents-facing or world-facing pushchairs. Some will have a single-to-double pushchair option as well, meaning they can be modified to accommodate two children without the requirement for a separate double frame for the pushchair.
You will need a shade for your pushchair on hot days to protect your baby from sunlight and prevent overheating. Look for it in pushchair bundles or separately. In colder weather you might want to include a footmuff that will keep your baby warm and snug. There's a broad range of these, with most being fully machine washable.
Style
It is essential to pay attention to details when shopping for the latest baby pushchair because this is one of the most popular products. Some models are made for rough terrain and come with larger wheels and a robust frame. Some are lighter and easy to move especially when folded. Some models also come with adjustable seat padding, extendable SPF canopy and a footmuff that keeps warm during colder months.
It is recommended that newborns lay flat to aid in the development of their spine as well as opening up their airways. This is best achieved with an infant pram/pushchair, a carrycot or a travel system. Some pushchairs feature a reclining seat unit or carrycot, and are suitable for babies from the time of birth. Make sure that this feature is present as certain descriptions only mention a reclining option without mentioning the option of a lie-flat seat.
The majority of pushchairs allow the option of facing your child's face or a world facing seat unit to allow you to have your baby either face you for reassurance and bonding or away from you so they can discover the world around them. Some pushchairs even offer both options at the same time!
Many pushchairs come with a variety of accessories, such as shopping trays and baskets to help parents. Some also have an inbuilt sunshade, which is usually made from SPF or UPF 50+ fabrics to shield the child from the sun. Other popular accessories include a sunshade which can be attached by a clamp to the frame of the pushchair or a sunmuff, which is usually included in the package or sold as an add-on.
Budget
A new pushchair is likely to be among your baby's most expensive items therefore it's essential to research and purchase within your budget. Be aware that you will be using your pram for many years and that it is the most frequently used item. You want to choose one that suits your needs and is comfortable for you and your child.
You should consider purchasing a travel system which includes a carrycot and seat. This is the most secure method of transporting a baby as it ensures that they sleep flat. This is ideal for securing their spine development and opening their airways. Newborns should always be transported in a lie-flat position until they reach six months old.
Some pushchairs are suitable from birth and come with an adjustable seat that can fully recline into a lying-flat position. This is essential since it protects the newborn's spine as it develops and lets them sleep comfortably during long journeys. It's important to know that not all pushchairs marked 'lie-flat" actually provide a completely flat position. It is important to verify this prior to purchasing.
You should consider a crib that has a large basket for everything your baby needs and other things. The basket should be easy to access and you should not have to struggle to get your shopping done or out of your baby's carrycot.
Another factor to consider is the wheels, which vary between models. Some models have wheels that can be locked, swivelled or fixed to assist you in moving the pushchair. Others have larger wheels that can be more stable over rough terrain or have PU tyres which are designed to resist puncture.
You should also think about the size of the handlebar, and whether it is adjustable to fit your height. Additionally, you should make sure the pushchair folds down small enough to fit into your car's trunk or onto public transport. Some models, such as the Joie Vinca have a single-handed fold that was highly rated by MFM home testers. It earned it a Gold Award at previous MadeForMums Awards.